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Tazarotene Cream Topical
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
TAZAROTENE CREAM – TOPICAL
(tah-ZAIR-oh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME: Avage
USES: This medication is a retinoid product related to Vitamin A. It is used to reduce fine wrinkles and dark and light spots on your face. It is important that you use this medication with a total skin care program and that you avoid exposure to sunlight.
HOW TO USE: For external use only. Apply only on your face, once daily at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. Remove any make-up, gently wash your face with a mild cleanser, and pat skin dry. Wait at least 20 minutes to make sure your face is dry before applying a small, pea-sized amount (about 1/4 inch wide) of medication. Apply in a thin layer over wrinkles and discolored spots. Wash your hands after using the medication. In the morning, apply a moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater. You may use a moisturizing cream or lotion on your face before or after you apply this medication. Make sure that either the moisturizer or medication has been absorbed into your skin, and that your skin is dry before you apply the second product. Keep this medication away from the eyes and mouth. If contact with the eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with cool water. Do not use more of this product or use it more often than directed. Using more medication than recommended will not give faster or better results and may lead to more side effects. Do not use this medication on sunburned or irritated skin, on skin affected by eczema, or on undiagnosed skin lesions. Consult your doctor for more information. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you use this medication and with each refill because there may be new information.
SIDE EFFECTS: Itching, burning/stinging, redness, irritation, dryness or peeling of the skin may occur. Cold and windy weather may increase skin irritation. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: worsening of the original skin problem, skin rash or cracking, discoloration or bleeding of the skin. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, severe itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other skin conditions (e.g., eczema, sunburn, sun sensitivity, undiagnosed skin lesions), any allergies. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing and a hat when outdoors. This drug must not be used during pregnancy due to the potential for fetal harm. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, stop use of this drug and inform your doctor immediately. Before starting this medication, women who could become pregnant should have a negative pregnancy test result within the last 2 weeks. This medication should be started during a normal menstrual period. Women should also use reliable birth control while using this drug. Consult your doctor before starting this medication. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of other drugs that can cause sun sensitivity: thiazide water pills (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide), tetracycline, sulfa antibiotics, quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin), phenothiazine-type medications (e.g., chlorpromazine), Vitamin A supplements. Also report the use of other skin care products (or drugs) with a strong drying effect or high alcohol content, as well as medicated soaps and vitamin A products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include increased skin dryness and peeling.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage from 23 to 86 degrees F (-5 to 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.